Messages - drshark

Ok... I'm back ! And I am glad to be back! I was under the impression that life on the Zendrum forum was history. I am glad that the brains of the forum figured out how to keep us alive and kicking! With that being said, I am very proud to be a part of this amazing group of musicians. As we continue on our journey to use this magnificent instrument, and find the perfect samples and sounds to produce, there are many of you to be thankful to for continuing the evolutionary process that has made the Zendrum such a wonderful instrument to play. Firstly, Darin K. - Way to go! It took a fraction of the time for you to do what Inspector 109 has been trying to do ( and did not have the time or resources) for many years. A beautiful interface that allows Zendrummer to control their settings with great precision and ease. Great job! I also want to send a shout out to my great friend Rob Anderson, AKA Pocketmaster. You totaly rock! Thanks for all your guidance and expertise. You have helped my so much and I am grateful for that. To my friend Mike Campasso, AKA Thumper. Great fun hanging with you as well. Kim Daniel, my brother-- Bringing the heat! He did not know that he was the guy who put aside a special piece of wood (Figured Cherry) that he thought was special, and I agreed, and went with it. And for David Haney, the master creator, for making my Zendrum, a beautiful instrument that is essentially a piece of art. I wish all of you continued success with your music and hope that all the people who are fortunate enought to view this forum, are able to see how incredible the Zendrum family operates. It's good to be back!

I was very fortunate to meet him during the Atlanta Zendrum gathering several years ago. A great memory was all of us jamming together at my place. He was playing the melodic stuff. The group included Kim, Bob S., Mike Campasa (Thumper) , and Rob Anderson (Pocketmaster), and myself. There is a recording of it around somewhere. It was magical! Tom was a great musician and shared some wonderous stories with us. RIP Tom and thanks for your for inspiration. Mark

It is with a heavy heart that I relay some bad news. One of our treasured Zendrummers, Tom Roady (The Mayor) has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and his prognosis is not good. I had the pleasure of meeting him and learned a lot from him. I ask for your thoughts and prayers for our dear friend during these times, for him and his family. God bless you Tom.

This is exactly what this forum was set up for. I want to throw my 2 cents in here. I have the same mind set that you guys have. Trying to get the Zendrum to sound as if your most favorite kit is in the room and miced up for an amazing concert sound. Most of you who know me, know that I have been searching for those perfect sounds. What I have found out is that there are too many variables. It depends who the audience is. It depends if they are drummers listening or other musicians. It depends on the room and it's ambience. It depends on the sound system. It depends on the mix. At a certain point in time, we all have to come to the conclusion that we might be chasing our tails. (My dog does that and I cannot understand why, except maybe it's fun) Please know that I deeply admire all of you for what it is you are trying to do and your theories are so educational. It is so easy to be critical but the truth is that we are all individuals, our playing styles are extremely varied, our sounds are usually very unique and at the end of the day, that is what gives us our individuality. Another part of the problem lies in the fact that our Zendrums are so versatile, it makes it damn near impossible to have the kind of consistancy that most other instruments have. I remember the day I went to Zendrum HQ to pick up my Zendrum and I asked David, how should I map it? What is the best way to play it? Where can I take lessons? He told me to take it to the wood shed and experiment with it. Nobody gives lessons and there is no best way to play it. I did not understand it at that time but it is certainly clear to me now.

I would encourage you guys to continue asking these questions and discussing your theories here because it is so entertaining and educational. I admire all of you for what you do and all of your contributions. I guess we are all just trying to make it better and that is a good thing. Keep it up guys.

I own the Open Labs Sound Slate and it was a little pricey but it works flawlessly. I cannot say that about my PC, which I spent hours and money to get it to work. The computer that Mr. Haney has developed is a good option or you can get a MacBook Pro that I priced out at $2700.00.

To Inspector 109. Happy Birthday. Remember, you are not getting older, you are getting better. Thanks for creating the Zendrum and forming the Zendrum community. I still love playing my beautiful instrument.

I am interested in doing it again. It was great fun. I learned a ton and enjoyed meeting all the great folks who attended. I was inspired by all of you and it made for a special event. I am much better for it as well. I enjoy learning and getting better and the fact that there was no ego involved, made it better. The jam session that took place with 6 Zendrummers playing together was very memorable. I look forward to doing it again. Throw out some dates that work well for people. We will see if we can make it happen again. Hopefully, Inspector 109, Kim, The Mayor, and Mr. Emrich can work it out in their schedule as well.

Hey. I just thought I would jump in here. My Z4 is made from figured cherry with purple heart center and it is a little heavier than the average. So I went out to GC and bought a Bass guitar strap which has a grid pattern of air pockets that sit on my shoulder. I like it and I have had it from the begginning. Hope this helps.

Would this be considered a Zendrum gathering? How can I get an invite? Are there any good hotels in the area to stay at? Hey Pocketmaster, can you make it? Share the cost of a hotel room? If this is an open invitation, please let us know when it will be. I would like to contribute a few things to the Zendrum world. It sounds like you are doing well Mayor. I hope our paths cross again soon.